Captain's license

I have decided to study for a Captain's license for boating. I really have no interest in working again but I must say that I have had such a great time with the delivery of friend's boats lately that I would be up for doing more. What made me think of getting it was a conversation with a captain in Annapolis who said that I could be taken to court by an insurance company if anything went wrong on a voyage. From what I gather, the Captain's license protects you from this. So anyway the downside to all of this is that I have to go back to school!!!!!! I thought that I had seen the last of a classroom 40 years ago. Anyway I purchased a new Nook from Barnes and Noble and downloaded the $17 complete study guide on it.

When I first heard that I could be sued, my first reaction was that I would not do any more boat deliveries, but after I considered what it would take, it is not that big of a deal. Ok it costs several hundred dollars and I have to study for the test but exercising my brain is not a bad thing and I have plenty of time when I am cruising to study for the test. From what I can see, there are 3 aspects to conquer. One is the experience, which in my case is cruising on a boat full time for 4 years and a lifetime of boating. Secondly understanding the "rules of the road" when it comes to boating, and reading this book will hopefully reinforce what I already know. And finally memorizing all the answers to the questions that they ask in the exam.

Wish me luck!